Zulu Macbeth for DUT
DUT's Department of Drama and Production Studies will present a re-interpretation of Welcome Msomi's iconic and critically-acclaimed 1971 play.
The Durban University of Technology Department of Drama and Production Studies will present a re-interpretation of Welcome Msomi’s iconic and critically-acclaimed 1971 play, known as ‘the Zulu Macbeth’, which offers a localised reading of Shakespeare’s Macbeth at the Courtyard Theatre from 14 to 18 May. .
Msomi explored themes in Macbeth such as abuse of power and unchecked ambition, and their potential to corrupt, greed and deceit, tyranny and oppression, and fate vs free will, all set in the context of early 19th-century South Africa.
He freely interpreted and aligned Shakespeare’s original narrative to run parallel to the historical narrative of Shaka kaSenzangakhona (Shaka Zulu). Characters and locations were transposed to a local context: Macbeth, Macduff, Lady Macbeth and Banquo become Mabatha, Mafudu, Kamadonsela and Bhangane respectively, and the invading army that defeats Mabatha is Swazi.
Written in 1970, the play is a landmark in the South African theatre landscape.
uMabatha is directed by DUT’s drama lecturer Siza KaMnisi Mthembu, and features DUT Department of Drama and Production Studies students.
For bookings contact Lebo Sibisi on 031 373 1694 (o/h).
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